Black Bean Brownies

Written by chanie on November 28th, 2011

Now before you gag, I want you to take a look at the picture above. Do those look like black beans to you? I didn’t think so. I had my reservations too, but they were quickly squashed after one bite of these. I’m not gonna say they were the best brownies I ever ate. Nor will I suggest that they have the same fudgy consistency as real brownies. But they are pretty good for a flourless cake made of beans. Give them a try. I promise, you won’t regret it.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend all ingredients (besides for walnuts and chocolate chips) in a food processor or blender until completely smooth. Mix in chocolate chips, if desired. Pour into a greased 8×8 baking dish and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake for 25 minutes.

Once cooled, cut brownies into squares. Because these brownies are made of beans, they mold very quickly. Therefore, eat immediately or refrigerate/freeze individual portions.

TIP: If you like your brownies less dense, and more cake-like, add 1 tsp baking powder.

chanie – u have done the impossible! i am actually looking forward in starting this diet…because u took away all the excuses i always have starting a diet. Shopping List complete, menu befitting a kosher diet and all recipes included!
Just one or two more days to finish this nash in the house and i’ll be shedding those pounds in no time!:)
I dont know when u have the time.. but thanks for doing this!

I have to agree with you sina. If I didn’t have to think about diet or fiber and I could eat whatever I wanted – I’d say go for regular brownies all the way. But if nutrition or diet is a factor for you, then these are a great substitute for the real thing!

I was truly skeptical about these, but they looked so good I thought what’s the worst? I lose a few ingredients and some time? So I made them, substituting Stevia for Splenda, and Ghirardelli dark baking cocoa. They were SO GOOD!! My kids ate some, oblivious to the fact that they were eating beans. Muuaahahahah!!

I made these tonight desperate for something good as I’ve started phase one again on SB. I have to say that they weren’t the most horrible things I ever ate but I don’t know that I can say they were “good” either. I used Stevia. But I can’t imagine that would make a tremendous difference if you’re not using any real sugar. I imagine with real sugar these not only taste better but have better texture. But the only reason I would make these and not real brownies is because of the diet I’m on so I expect it to be good as a diet food. You know? It was a litle dry even though I took them out of the oven about five minutes before the recipe calls for. I can’t imagine as an experienced cook and baker that I did anything incorrectly as it’s a pretty simple recipe. Everything in the blender except the nuts. I will not be making this again nor do I think I will finish what’s left.

I’m sorry to hear you didn’t like them Margo. If I wasn’t on South Beach, I don’t think I would either consider making brownies out of beans. They don’t taste nearly as good as real brownies, but they help fill my need for a little something sweet on the diet. I have a lot of readers who love them, but I totally hear where you’re coming from!

Well I’m sure it’s not the recipe. Maybe it was the Stevia I used. It was awful. The fake sugar thing is difficult for me. I’m going to try them again. Maybe if I bake them for a shorter period. Mine were dry. Super dry. I’m
An experienced cook/baker but not with alternative sweeteners. I’m pretty desperate for SWEEEET though! Lol.

Thank you for sharing this recipe. I just made them and they are very good. A great way to get my chocolate fix. I did use equal amounts of truvia instead of sugar. The batter was really thin and that had me worried but they cooked up nicely. They are on the soft side and I love the fact that no flour is in this recipe. This one is a keeper for me. Thanks again.